ITV

Tag: Inc

  • Tech Mahindra announces merger of US subsidiaries

    Tech Mahindra announces merger of US subsidiaries

    MUMBAI: Tech Mahindra has informed Bombay the stock exchange that its step-down subsidiaries Comviva Technologies USA, Inc and Comviva Technologies Americas Inc. will merge, according to a regulatory filing on Friday, 28 February 2025.

    The boards of directors of both companies approved the merger plan on Thursday, 27 February 2025, with an appointed date of 1 March 2025. The merger remains subject to regulatory approvals in the country of incorporation.

    Comviva Technologies USA (the transferor company), incorporated in Florida, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Comviva Technologies Americas Inc. and reported a turnover of $ 0.65 million for the financial year ended 31 March 2024. The company provides IT services and solutions.

    Comviva Technologies Americas Inc. (the transferee company), incorporated in Delaware, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Comviva Technologies Limited, India, with a turnover of $19.05 million for the financial year ended 31 March 2024. It specializes in Video Storage and Processing Platform (VSPP) business.

    Tech Mahindra stated that the consolidation aims to optimize operational costs and reduce compliance risks. As the transferor company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the transferee company, no cash consideration or new share issuance will be involved in the merger. The investment held by Comviva Americas in Comviva USA will be cancelled.

    The company received notice of this merger on Friday at 10 a.m. IST and has made this disclosure pursuant to Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations.

  • Mattel and DC reunite in toy partnership as superheroes find new home

    Mattel and DC reunite in toy partnership as superheroes find new home

    MUMBAI: In what industry insiders are calling a “plastic fantastic reunion,” Mattel, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products have announced a global licensing agreement that will see Batman and friends return to their former toy maker starting in late 2026.

    The multi-year deal grants Mattel rights to produce action figures, playsets and collectibles based on DC’s entire roster of spandex-clad do-gooders and cackling villains. This means everything from Batman’s brooding silhouette to The Joker’s maniacal grin will soon grace toy shelves worldwide.

    Nick Karamanos of Mattel declared it “an incredibly proud milestone” to welcome DC back to the fold, whilst carefully avoiding mention of the years DC spent gallivanting with rival toymakers. One imagines there might have been a rather awkward “where have you been all these years?” conversation at the negotiating table.

    Warner Bros.’ Robert Oberschelp noted the timing coincides with “DC’s exciting new chapter in 2025,” though he refrained from specifying whether this excitement involves yet another Batman reboot or simply the accountants’ jubilation at the licensing fees.

    The arrangement builds upon an existing relationship between the companies spanning more than 30 brands, including Harry Potter and oddly enough, Ted Lasso, should you fancy your child playing with a miniature football manager known for colourful language and biscuit diplomacy.

    Industry analysts suggest this corporate marriage may deliver a much-needed boost to both parties, though they’ve stopped short of calling it a “super” partnership. 

    At the very least, Batman fans can look forward to their hero returning to the plastic realm where he arguably belongs—standing proudly on bedroom shelves, forever frozen in a heroic pose whilst collecting a fine layer of dust.

  • GRB Media Ranch acquires ‘Carol of the Bells’ and its BTS documentary

    GRB Media Ranch acquires ‘Carol of the Bells’ and its BTS documentary

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch president Sophie Ferron is delighted to announce the acquisition of Carol of the Bells (1 x 100), an innovative, touching Christmas movie directed by Joey Travolta as well as a documentary on the making of this unique film, Carol of the Bells: Behind the Scenes (1 x 25). This film not only tells a heartwarming holiday story but also represents a significant step forward by demonstrating inclusivity by featuring a cast and crew with a range of disabilities.

    Carol of the Bells stars RJ Mitte (known for his role in the highly acclaimed Breaking Bad) portraying a young man with a troubled past who embarks on a journey to find his biological mother, only to discover that she is developmentally disabled. The film was produced by Inclusion Films in partnership with Futures Explored, Inc and Options for All, with 70 per cent of the crew members having developmental disabilities. The feature won the Audience Favorite Feature award at the San Diego International Film Festival in 2019.

    In addition to the film, a behind-the-scenes documentary is also available, offering an in-depth look at the remarkable journey of the cast and crew. This emotionally uplifting documentary showcases how Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Films’ workshops started in 2007 in Bakersfield California to teach the art of filmmaking to the developmentally challenged. The film highlights how this workshop is transforming lives and reshaping perceptions of individuals with disabilities. The workshops provide training and empower participants to contribute meaningfully to the film industry, illustrating the profound impact of inclusivity.

    Ferron stated, “GRB Media Ranch is honored to bring Carol of the Bells and its behind-the-scenes documentary to international audiences. It is not often that we come across a special film like this—entertainment with a purpose. This film and its making-of feature offer a powerful portrayal of individuals on the autism spectrum and reflect a message of inclusivity that will resonate globally. We are thankful to Joey Travolta for his dedication to this project and for sharing this inspiring story with us.”

    Travolta commented, “We are thrilled to partner with GRB Media Ranch to present Carol of the Bells and the accompanying documentary to viewers around the world. Our film and the behind-the-scenes look at our film camp in Bakersfield highlight a profound commitment to inclusivity. By employing 70% of our cast and crew from the autism community, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and challenge perceptions of disability. These efforts are rooted in the values of kindness and equality that my family instilled in me and continue to guide my work. We hope that this film and its documentary will inspire others and change the way we view and engage with individuals with disabilities.”

  • Defense Derby’s June update introduces new martial tiger unit

    Defense Derby’s June update introduces new martial tiger unit

    Mumbai: RisingWings, a creative studio of KRAFTON, Inc., has unveiled its June update for the popular real-time PvP tower defense mobile game, Defense Derby.

    Introducing the martial tiger

    This update introduces the martial tiger, a new physical-type unit from the beast faction. Martial tiger is a close-range area damage dealer with two special abilities called taeguk and roar of the lion. With taeguk, the critical damage increases, and upon reaching a certain level, it unleashes the Roar of the Lion, terrifying all monsters in the player’s lane for 1.5 seconds with a mighty roar, and resetting the accumulated critical damage. Martial Tiger can be acquired through the Martial Tiger Event, Featured Summon, and Step Up Pack. Players can try out the new unit through the Derby Brawl – Martial Tiger Mirror Match, available from 1 to 3 June, and earn Beast Crystals based on their ranking.

    Hammer sprite

    In June, players will encounter a new unit along with the A Powerful Blow season. Coming 13 June, players can anticipate the arrival of the Hammer Sprite, a new physical-type unit from the spirit faction. The Hammer Sprite possesses a special ability called Gold Appears, which boosts the attack power and attack speed of herself and the hero at the start of each wave. She is particularly effective at clearing waves quickly, making it recommended to place her near the front of the castle. The Derby Brawl – Hammer Sprite Mirror Match, featuring this new unit, will be available from 15 to 17 June.

    Special events – gems, crystals, and valentine’s fun

    1 Duo play event: Available until 27 June, this is an event where players complete missions by playing the two-player cooperative mode, duo mode. Depending on the completed missions, players can earn various rewards such as the mirage of the desert, harun palace castle skin, duo entries, gems, elixir, and featured summon tickets.

    2 Returning guardian missions: This event is designed for players who log into the game after a long absence, allowing them to complete missions to earn eternal hearts, which can be exchanged for rewards like miraculous summon tickets, legendary unit selections, and gold.

  • Crunchyroll launches ‘Wish Your World Was Anime’ campaign

    Crunchyroll launches ‘Wish Your World Was Anime’ campaign

    Mumbai: Crunchyroll, the ultimate home for anime worldwide, launched its first ad campaign in India, ‘Wish Your World Was Anime’, which masterfully blends the immersive world of anime with real life, featuring anime superfans Rashmika Mandanna and Tiger Shroff. In the two ad films, the protagonists wish for dream scenarios in their real lives, such as embarking on vivid adventures and turning challenges into triumphant moments, much like those in the captivating anime worlds they enjoy.

    The dynamic ads premiered during the IPL and will air digitally on JioCinema during TATA IPL matches. Crunchyroll has also planned a comprehensive marketing campaign encompassing surround sound promotions through OOH, digital advertising, and social media outreach.

    Anime, with its unique storytelling style, action, and visual artistry, offers a realm unlike any other, where individuals immerse in narratives that inspire, provoke thought, and evoke emotion. With ‘Wish Your World Was Anime,’ Crunchyroll aims to tap into the universal desire shared by anime enthusiasts everywhere – to infuse their everyday lives with the vibrancy, courage, and adventure reminiscent of their favorite anime characters and shows.

    The ad films have been uniquely crafted using a blend of original Japanese animation with live action. The creative agency behind the campaign is Tilt Brand Solutions, while the anime segments were created by renowned anime studios in Japan, ensuring the authenticity of the craft and reinforcing Crunchyroll’s dedication to sharing Japanese anime with the world. Drive Inc. created the anime for the ad film with Rashmika, while the anime in Tiger’s ad film was created by ARECT, Inc. The films were overseen creatively by Crunchyroll’s creative services team. The background music in the ad film with Tiger is exclusive, produced by Donn Bhatt, and features rapper Jagsifat. The ad film with Rashmika has the song ‘Billo’ by Excise Dept.

    “We are thrilled to announce Crunchyroll’s first brand campaign in India — a heartfelt milestone for us and the anime community here,” said Crunchyroll SVP of marketing Markus Gerdemann. “With Tiger Shroff and Rashmika Mandanna joining us, our campaign shines a light on the power of anime as a captivating form of storytelling. India’s rich culture and its enthusiastic embrace of anime inspire us every day. What better way to debut the campaign than another milestone cultural moment – the IPL.”

    “This campaign is more than just an announcement; it’s a reflection of our dedication to nurturing our bond with anime fans across the country,” added VP of creative services Norman Rabinovich. “We’re celebrating our collective love for anime and supporting the fandom that makes it all so rewarding.”

  • Lionsgate Play & Smart partner for affordable binge-watch deal in Philippines

    Lionsgate Play & Smart partner for affordable binge-watch deal in Philippines

    Mumbai: Premium streaming platform Lionsgate Play has announced its groundbreaking partnership with mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) aimed at redefining the landscape of digital entertainment for Filipinos. Starting today, all Smart Prepaid and Smart Postpaid subscribers in the Philippines may enjoy affordable premium streaming subscriptions as they dive into Lionsgate Play’s expansive library of blockbuster franchises and innovative original series. Whether they’re movie enthusiasts or binge-watchers, Smart customers can take advantage of the best rates to access Lionsgate Play’s curated library.

    Since it entered the Philippines market in June 2022, Lionsgate Play has been making waves with its entertainment offerings that lean toward the provocative, thrilling, and edgy. The official streaming platform of the renowned Hollywood studio Lionsgate, it offers blockbuster franchises (including John Wick, The Hunger Games, Twilight, Step-Up, and Saw); award-winning Lionsgate feature films (such as La La Land and Wonder); original series that cut across multiple genres (like Power, Gaslit, Party Down, The Serpent Queen, Ramy, Minx, and more).

    Pocket-friendly prices for world-class entertainment

    “Our partnership with Smart is an integral part of our continued expansion efforts across Southeast Asia,” said Lionsgate Play Asia president Rohit Jain. “This collaboration aligns with our vision to distribute our content more broadly and to diversify our subscriber base, enabling audiences to ‘play more, browse less.’ We’re committed to strategic partnerships, and Smart is the perfect partner to help us achieve that goal.”

    “This collaboration with Lionsgate Play solidifies our commitment to delivering the widest breadth of world-class entertainment to the fingertips of Filipinos. Through this partnership, we reinforce our mission to make sure that every Smart user has more options to enjoy the content they want to consume,” said Wireless Business at Smart head of consumer Alex O. Caeg.

    “Powered by Smart, our customers can enjoy seamless streaming of their favourite movies, and access their beloved series from Lionsgate Play’s phenomenal library. Whether at home or on the go, they have the option to indulge in uninterrupted entertainment and immerse themselves in top-notch streaming at their convenience,” adds Kristine A. Go, SVP for Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

    Smart subscribers will be able to enjoy these cinematic offerings at incredibly affordable rates. An LGP subscription is priced at just PHP 99/month for Smart subscribers, compared to the standard rate of PHP 129/month. Smart will also be rolling out an extra affordable 7-day subscription for a mere PHP 39, making LGP’s exceptional entertainment available to everyone. 

  • Kinara and Mirasys (India) partner to revolutionise video analytics in smart retail

    Kinara and Mirasys (India) partner to revolutionise video analytics in smart retail

    Mumbai: Leading edge AI chipmaker Kinara, Inc. and advanced video AI analytics developer Mirasys (India) are combining forces to reshape edge-based video analytics. According to IDC, video analytics market is projected to grow to $6 billion by 2027, owing to the abundance of video cameras and key use cases across multiple markets. This collaboration is set to provide real-time edge-based video analytics solutions in the smart retail and banking sectors. As part of the integration, Kinara’s Ara-1 modules are embedded in the Mirasys’ embedded x86 platforms, the size of a set-top box.

    Kinara’s Ara-1 Edge AI processor, renowned for its unmatched performance, power efficiency, and its ability to support advanced AI at edge devices, merges seamlessly with Mirasys’ cutting-edge analytics applications. This provides an unparalleled solution that empowers industries to perform real-time video analytics directly at the edge. The solution seamlessly meshes with existing POS systems, inventory databases, and CRM tools, making implementation hassle-free for retailers. This partnership opens a plethora of opportunities and provides client an opportunity to use the power of AI with low total cost of ownership and fastest return on investment. Customers can expect enhanced performance, reliability, and security in their video surveillance systems, bolstering their overall effectiveness. By processing video data at the edge, this collaboration also leads to reduced bandwidth and storage costs, optimising resource utilization. Moreover, the integration of advanced analytics and insights derived from video data through AI and machine learning empowers businesses with valuable data-driven decision-making tools. Finally, the partnership is flexible and adaptable, offering customized solutions tailored to a wide array of use cases, including smart city initiatives, traffic management, retail, banking, hospitality, and more, making it a versatile and valuable addition to various industries.

    Elaborating further about the initiative, Mirasys (India) MD Arindam Das Sarkar said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Kinara, aiming to deliver innovative Artificial Intelligence solutions to our customers. This collaboration leverages our strengths in AI and edge computing, allowing customers to access AI benefits without the need for extensive infrastructure investments, ensuring sustainable AI goals. Exciting times lie ahead for our joint endeavors.”

    Kinara’s CEO Ravi Annavajjhala echoed the sentiments saying, “This partnership with Mirasys opens up new and exciting possibilities for edge-based video analytics in what is becoming a very dynamic market. By combining Kinara’s high-performance Ara-1 chipset with Mirasys’ innovative applications, we can enable businesses of all sizes to leverage the power of AI for enhanced safety, security and operational efficiency.”

    Mirasys (India) offers a full-featured video analytics and trusted video management system for businesses across a wide scale. The supported technology is ideal for a diverse set of applications. For example, retailers can optimize shelf space, detect shoplifting, help with wayfinding, count the crowd in their stores and optimize shoppers’ journey. While automation of tasks such as inventory checks and alerts for restocking can streamline store operations and reduce manual workloads, tailored in-store experiences, timely assistance, and optimized store layouts can enhance the customer experience. Edge processing not only minimizes data transfer needs and enables these use cases, it also leads to energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

  • India, China to propel APAC, beat CAS Europe market share

    India, China to propel APAC, beat CAS Europe market share

    MUMBAI: APAC is expected to overtake the market share of Europe in future due to an increasing demand for digital TV set-up boxes in countries such as China and India. North America and Europe dominated the global CAS market in 2015. APAC region is estimated to mark a growth rate of 12.0 per cent CAGR during the forecast period 2016 to 2025.

    As per market research by ‘the Insight Partners’, increased digital TV penetration in households coupled with rising internet users will boost the CAS market at a CAGR of 9.1 per cent.

    North America is one of the key regions with the highest demand for CAS due to high adoption of internet services, followed by Europe. Developing countries in APAC and MEA are anticipated to experience significant adoption of CA systems, due to growing internet infrastructure and modernizing traditional TV services. Thus, North America and Europe dominated.

    Conditional Access System (CAS) offers a secure platform to broadcast the digital content through subscription based plans. CAS has set new dimension to the end user viewership and also has set up new revenue opportunities to operators and others who broadcast digital content. Today, CA technology and services are sophisticated, and are more than ever mission-critical for a successful pay TV business venture. In a growing competitive environment, in order to attract customers, traditional pay TV operators have had to diversify their offering from the original idea of offering premium content, to pay per view (PPV).

    The global conditional access systems market was estimated to be $ 2.32 billion in 2015, and is expected to reach $ 5.53 billion by 2025.

    Internet services exhibits a tremendous global growth and creating plethora of opportunities for the CAS market in near future along with increasing number of subscribers. This would also help the CAS market to continue its growth despite of declining STB market. The demand for internet TV and videos for home entertainment would become the prime factor driving the CAS growth. Internet service providers are using CAS for secured content delivery to subscribers. Increasing demand for personalized services and applications such as Netflix, Voot, Hot Star, etc. will accelerate the demand for CAS going ahead.

    Germany Conditional Access Systems market is expected to exhibit highest growth rate of 11.2 per cent during 2016 – 2025. This will outpace the growth rate of the U.K., thereby Germany leading the Europe CAS market by 2025.

    Some of the key players profiled in the report are Nagravision SA, Verimatrix, Inc., Irdeto, Viacess-Orca, Cisco, Inc., Coretrust, Inc., Conax AS, China Digital TV, Wellav Technologies Ltd. and ARRIS International plc.

  • India, China to propel APAC, beat CAS Europe market share

    India, China to propel APAC, beat CAS Europe market share

    MUMBAI: APAC is expected to overtake the market share of Europe in future due to an increasing demand for digital TV set-up boxes in countries such as China and India. North America and Europe dominated the global CAS market in 2015. APAC region is estimated to mark a growth rate of 12.0 per cent CAGR during the forecast period 2016 to 2025.

    As per market research by ‘the Insight Partners’, increased digital TV penetration in households coupled with rising internet users will boost the CAS market at a CAGR of 9.1 per cent.

    North America is one of the key regions with the highest demand for CAS due to high adoption of internet services, followed by Europe. Developing countries in APAC and MEA are anticipated to experience significant adoption of CA systems, due to growing internet infrastructure and modernizing traditional TV services. Thus, North America and Europe dominated.

    Conditional Access System (CAS) offers a secure platform to broadcast the digital content through subscription based plans. CAS has set new dimension to the end user viewership and also has set up new revenue opportunities to operators and others who broadcast digital content. Today, CA technology and services are sophisticated, and are more than ever mission-critical for a successful pay TV business venture. In a growing competitive environment, in order to attract customers, traditional pay TV operators have had to diversify their offering from the original idea of offering premium content, to pay per view (PPV).

    The global conditional access systems market was estimated to be $ 2.32 billion in 2015, and is expected to reach $ 5.53 billion by 2025.

    Internet services exhibits a tremendous global growth and creating plethora of opportunities for the CAS market in near future along with increasing number of subscribers. This would also help the CAS market to continue its growth despite of declining STB market. The demand for internet TV and videos for home entertainment would become the prime factor driving the CAS growth. Internet service providers are using CAS for secured content delivery to subscribers. Increasing demand for personalized services and applications such as Netflix, Voot, Hot Star, etc. will accelerate the demand for CAS going ahead.

    Germany Conditional Access Systems market is expected to exhibit highest growth rate of 11.2 per cent during 2016 – 2025. This will outpace the growth rate of the U.K., thereby Germany leading the Europe CAS market by 2025.

    Some of the key players profiled in the report are Nagravision SA, Verimatrix, Inc., Irdeto, Viacess-Orca, Cisco, Inc., Coretrust, Inc., Conax AS, China Digital TV, Wellav Technologies Ltd. and ARRIS International plc.

  • 4k Media Continues To Expand International Streaming Media Partnerships For The Yu-Gi-Oh! Franchise

    4k Media Continues To Expand International Streaming Media Partnerships For The Yu-Gi-Oh! Franchise

    MUMBAI:  Adding to its digital distribution dominance, 4K Media Inc., the Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. subsidiary that manages the licensing and marketing of the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand, and its distribution partner Cinedigm have announced that the brand has added  a number of  SVOD/VOD partners in Europe to its already impressive roster of global digital partnerships.

    Among 4K Media’s latest digital media distribution agreements are:

    Germany:

    236 German-language episodes of the complete series “Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters” and 155 German-language episodes of the complete series “Yu-Gi-Oh! GX,” in cooperation with the German distribution partner KSM GmbH, have been licensed to:

    RTL networks’s German online portal ClipFish

    Maxdome, the SVOD platform owned by Prosieben Sat 1. Media

    My Video, one of Germany’s most popular online video destinations, also owned by  Prosieben Sat 1. Media

    Italy:

    TIM will be offering its TIMvision’s subscribers all 49 episodes of “Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V” Season 1, the latest series from the franchise.

    Multi-Territory Agreements:

    Crunchyroll, the U.S. based international online community focused on streaming Asian media with a special emphasis on anime and manga, has expanded its worldwide (outside of Asia) distribution arrangement with 4K Media with the addition of the original, uncut Japanese-language versions of “Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters” and “Yu-Gi-Oh! GX” series with English subtitles.

    4K Media joins leading Hollywood studios in partnering with Tubi TV (www.tubitv.com), the world’s largest and fastest-growing — free and legal — video app on Connected TV devices, Mobile, and the Web. The free, video-on-demand service has licensed 154 original and uncut episodes of “Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s” with English subtitles, as well as 123 English-language episodes of the series. 

    In commenting on the digital distribution partnerships, Mark Kirk, 4K Media Senior Vice President, Digital Operations, said:  “We’re thrilled to have episodes of the various

    Yu-Gi-Oh! series available to fans throughout the world. 4K Media has been embracing digital media platforms as a viable method for distributing content for over a decade and will continue to do so as the numbers of fans accessing the vast Yu-Gi-Oh! library of episodes online and on mobile devices validates that decision.”

    This latest round of digital distribution agreements expands 4K Media’s vast number of existing streaming partnerships for the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, including Hulu (US), Netflix (multi-territory), ClaroVideo (Latin America) and TV4 (Sweden), among others.

    The Yu-Gi-Oh! animated franchise, with over 700 episodes available in up to 15 local languages, consists of the original “Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters,” “Yu-Gi-Oh! GX,” “Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s,” “Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL” and the newest installment, “Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V,” as well as the highly popular Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game, video games, licensed product and feature films.